June 2023

In May, members of ORCA’s Newspaper Club, The Current, voted to name the newspaper’s new editorial board for the upcoming school year.

Current junior Hannah Ma was elected as the new Editor-in-chief, replacing Ryland Bickley, who will be graduating in 2023. Ma is moving up from her past position of Layout Editor and bringing her experience with her. “I am excited to take on the new responsibility of leading and supporting our newspaper,” says Ma. “It's been so great to see how much our club has grown, and I am honored to be a part of The Current and work with an exceptional team of writers and editors.” 

Keagan S. will be transitioning from his former role as copyeditor to Managing Editor, a position formerly held by Kenna S., who will be stepping down from The Current editing team. “I’m excited to write more articles, work more with my friends, and expand for more students to join the club,” Keagan says. As an incoming high schooler, he is the youngest of the main editors while also having the most Newspaper Club experience of the three. 

Grace Peterson is taking over as Layout Editor as Ma leaves the role to tackle the position of Editor-in-chief. Peterson has experience formatting the Student Government website and working on the Student Government Corner of The Current. “I'm very excited to take on this role and its new responsibilities, and continue working hard for The Current,” Peterson commented.

Arabella Mullanix and Zachariah M. are joining the copyeditor crew, with Grace Choi returning for her second year in the role.

“Moving on from The Current is bittersweet for me as it's been such a great part of my life over the past few years,” says Bickley, the former Editor-in-chief. “I'm proud to have helped start something that is so much bigger than myself. I couldn't be more thankful for all the support ORCA has given the newspaper up to this point, and I'm very confident that the club will be in great hands going forward. Hannah, Keagan, Grace, and everyone else on staff are top-notch writers and even better people, and you couldn't ask for a better club advisor than Mr. Yanowitz.” 

“I can't wait to see where they take The Current next!” he concludes. “I'll be moving on to life after high school but you can bet I'll stay a loyal reader.”

With the 2022-23 school year coming to a close, Student Government hosted its annual Executive Board elections on Monday, May 15. Held over Zoom, the meeting was designed for Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates to make their cases about why they are the best candidates for these positions.

After the results came in, Grace Peterson was elected Student Government President for the 2023-24 school year. “I am honored and so grateful for the student body electing me as President!” Peterson said. “I've worked for this role for the past five years and it feels unreal.”

For the first year ever, there was a tie for the Vice President position, and candidates Ahnalya De Leeuw and Reagan Stanek agreed to be co-Vice Presidents. 

The rest of ORCA’s 2023-24 Executive Board, appointed by the Student Government advisors, can be viewed below: 

• Secretary: Isaac Choi

• Activities Director: Leesy Lindsay 

• Public Relations Officer: Kenna S.

• Social Media Coordinator: Grace Choi

• Senior Senator Representative: Emily Pennington

• Junior Senator Representative: Lily Dixon

• Newsletter Committee Leader: Cara S.

• Website Committee Leader: Hannah M.

• Event Committee Leader: Alexis Tucker

“I am beyond proud of this year's Executive Board; I've worked with many of them over the years, and I know ORCA is in good hands,” said Peterson. “With my Vice Presidents, Ahnalya De Leeuw and Reagan Stanek, supporting me, I know Student Government will be led right and true.” 

"I was so impressed with our Executive Board applicants for the 2023-2024 school year,” said Student Government advisor Stephanie Vitro. “The students who applied are tremendously talented and driven to serve as advocates and leaders for our school community.” 

During the Student Government elections, candidates made their cases for the roles of President and Vice President. High school students and staff were allowed to attend and cast votes.

Presidential candidates included Issac Choi, Ahnalya De Leeuw, Grace Peterson and Alexis Tucker, while the Vice Presidential candidates were Choi, De Leeuw, Tucker, and Reagan Stanek. 

The first candidate to present was Isaac Choi. Choi has been attending ORCA for seven years and is the current Secretary of Student Government. He is involved in many school-run clubs and organizations, including being the co-president of National Honor Society and a member of HOSA, the Health Occupation Students of America. Choi’s key priorities as president would be increasing student engagement and attendance at field trips by providing incentives for participation in social settings. He further elaborated that as leader, he wished to not be the figurehead of Student Government, but instead a collaborator with his fellow Executive Board members, senators, and the students. 

Next to present was Ahnalya De Leeuw, the current Vice President and a student at ORCA for 12 years. Speaking from her experience in Student Government and involvement in the ORCA community, De Leeuw discussed the importance of organization within Student Government so senators and the Executive Board could accomplish more throughout the school year. She described her passion for a greater leadership role coming from the need to advocate for the student body and create a space for students’ voices to be heard. De Leeuw is highly involved in the ORCA community as the co-founder of Philosophy Club and a writer for ORCA’s newspaper, The Current.

Following De Leeuw’s speech was Grace Peterson, who has been attending ORCA for 12 years and the current Public Relations Officer of Student Government. She boasts a long-time relationship with the association, having been a senator and a part of the leadership team since sixth grade. From her long-time experience in Student Government, Peterson described how being a senator throughout middle school and joining the Executive Board in high school helped her grow out of her shell. She expressed her devotion to helping students increase their confidence in leadership roles and public speaking. She has many goals as President, such as increasing awareness of Student Government efforts, promoting their activities through social media, and connecting students through field trips and online events. She is a part of many organizations, including Newspaper Club, the Hatfield Futures Project, and representing ORCA with the Oregon Association of Student Councils. 

Afterwards, Alexis Tucker spoke about her goals and experience in Student Government as a senator. Tucker is the co-president of HOSA and has been a part of Student Government as a senator for a year. She spoke about overcoming the struggles of Dyslexia and how she wants students to know that no matter their learning abilities, they are welcomed and are encouraged to be a “bigger part of ORCA.” Tucker addressed the issue of the lack of transportation options for attending in-person field trips, and proposed that there should be organized carpools or more localized events throughout the state. 

The final speech was given by Vice Presidential candidate Reagan Stanek, a current sophomore and the Activities Director of Student Government. Stanek highlighted the importance of making sure the student body is aware of what Student Government is and their work in the school community. Her main goal as Vice President would be to promote peer tutoring, field trips, and Student Government assemblies. She’s involved in many ORCA clubs, including being a peer tutor and a writer at The Current. 

After wrapping up the presidential speeches, the meeting followed with a Q&A session. Attendees asked questions to candidates about their post-high school plans, goals as president, and some of their favorite accomplishments in Student Government.

One of the questions asked how candidates plan to give the student body a voice. 

De Leeuw responded that her focus is to promote open Student Government meetings and increase traffic for the feedback form on the Student Government website. Tucker detailed that having informal meetings with the student body could create a comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels confident about sharing their opinions. Stanek proposed having better communication with clubs and encouraging students to be involved in extracurriculars. Choi added the idea of “town-hall” meetings where students could engage in a Q&A session with senators and be introduced to clubs within the school. Peterson advocated for talking directly to students and hearing their voices. She added that having ways in which the student body could directly contact a senator might benefit communication.

Candidates were also asked if there were any issues prevalent at ORCA that they would want to fix if elected. 

Peterson articulated the stigma that comes with isolation in an online school; she expressed her desire to dissolve the narrative and create a welcoming environment for all students. De Leeuw pointed to advertising for clubs and events. She referenced her plan that would involve promoting club leadership and announcing upcoming schoolwide events with global announcements. Choi introduced his proposed process of having incentives for students who participate in virtual and in-person field trips. His main goal is to increase connection between students and staff. Tucker referenced her own experience joining the school by expressing the need to have a less stressful onboarding process. She proposed shorter introduction videos and more hands on conversation with students and staff. Lastly, Stanek added that having surveys sent out more frequently to the student body would be a great way to give them more input on decisions regarding their schooling. 

You can view more of the questions asked to Student Government candidates on their Q&A document here. 

The rest of the Executive Board positions were appointed and announced the following week.

“I am so honored to have run with these excellent candidates,” said Co-Vice President Ahnalya De Leeuw. “It was very inspiring hearing each of their ideas for the coming year! I know every team member will work hard in their roles to achieve those goals. I personally am very excited about focusing on expanding field trip options and attendance as well as Senator engagement through my Vice Presidency, and I’m so thrilled to work closely with Grace as President, Reagan and I in Student Government’s first co-VPing year, and our fantastic Executive Board!

“Speaking of excitement for the new school year: if you’d like to join our team, come check out Gov’s booth and meet some of your Executive Board at Spring Celebration, and stay tuned for Senator elections in the fall!” she concluded. 

“I am so excited to work with Grace and Ahnalya,” added Co-Vice President Reagean Stanek. “I think this is a special opportunity. My goal is to build a stronger community at ORCA, and bridge the gap between the student body and student government. I am very excited to work with the new board. I think that having Grace as an experienced leader, as well as some fresh faces, we will make a great team. Watch out ORCA!”

In the May issue of The Current, ORCA students and staff were asked to submit a song to the second ever ORCA playlist. The ORCA community responded with over 30 responses in a variety of different genres. From rickrolls to pop music and everything in between, The Current is proud to announce the 2023 ORCA playlist. 

The list of songs can be read below:

"9 To 5" by Dolly Parton

“Gusty Garden Galaxy (from Super Mario Galaxy)” by Koji Kondo

“Lover // Over the Moon” by Alice Phoebe Lou

“The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley

“Queen Of The Freaks” by AViVA

“Lovers Rock” by TV Girl 

“I Want it That Way” by Backstreet Boys

“Legends Never Die” by Against the Current

“THE METAL SHEET” by FiASKO

“Take My Hand” by Skerryvore

“State Of Dreaming” by MARINA

“joy.” by for King & Country

“All This Time” by Louis Tomlinson

“Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks

“God's Menu” by StrayKids

“Good Day” by Twenty One Pilots

“Thank you Lord” by Chris Tomlin ft. Thomas Rhett Florida Georgia Line

“Head Right” by Wilderado

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

“What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life” by Bill Evans

“Love Wins” by Carrie Underwood

“Grace” by Jeff Buckley

“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala

“What Once Was” by Her’s

“Life Afraid” by Set It Off

“Preset Junkies” by Virtual Riot

“Love in the time of Socialism” by Yellow House

“Being Human” by Rebecca Sugar

“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley

“Baby Shark” by Pinkfong

“Control (Somehow You Want Me)” by Tenth Avenue North

“October” by Alessia Cara

If the song you requested was not included, that is because it was deemed non-school-appropriate.

For last year’s playlist, check out this article. 

The Current would like to thank each ORCA member who requested a song. Happy listening! 

The class of 2023 has made quite a legacy.

From leading NHS, winning state-wide HOSA competitions, and surviving murder hornets, this year’s graduating seniors had a four years full of accomplishments and great memories at ORCA. 

As finals wind down and graduation draws near, some seniors took the time to share cherished ORCA memories, advice for new high school students, and where they’ll be heading next in life.

A number of seniors credited ORCA with helping them prepare for life after high school. 

“I've had such supportive teachers who could assist me in almost anything I needed,” says Mahayla Brackens. “The counselors and advisors especially always had resources or advice to help me with both school after high school and my career plan.”

Alex Leventhal says that “AVID was a huge help in preparing me for life after high school” in providing practical skills for college as a student and adult. 

Eric Traub adds that ORCA “gave me the environment to learn and grow skills to help me be successful in my future academic goals.”

Many also commend how ORCA’s online environment gave them more flexibility, as well as taught them better time management and how to be a self-starter. “I think the online format specifically prepared me for college by forcing me to learn how to motivate myself to get my work done,” Aliyah Ordway comments, adding that it would help make college easier to adjust to.

Amelia B. adds that being an online school student “gave me lots of time to learn about myself, spend lots of time thinking about what I want and how to get it with minimal distractions.”

The ASCEND program received copious praise for offering valuable business knowledge and veterinary experience, helping students “learn about different careers.”

Most seniors have many special memories to look back on – from Spring Celebration and High School Hangouts, leadership events with HOSA friends, club meetings, and supportive teachers that made live classes fun. Many added that prom made their last year even more special. 

“I never thought I’d be one of those people who’s super into prom or school dances in general, but my junior prom was one of the best days of my life,” says Alex Leventhal. “I had so much fun!”

“I have so many good memories here I will never forget,” John Anderson remarks. 

Although high school comes with many fond memories, there are still obstacles to tackle along the way. Luckily, a few seniors shared some valuable tips to overcome them and make the most out of the experience. 

Most recommend that students work to stay on track and pursue the social outlets the school provides. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your teachers are there to help you,” Leventhal says. “Join clubs. As many as you can. The friends you make at ORCA will probably be the best part of your high school years.”

Many also highlighted the importance of getting involved in school programs and trying out new things. “Your high school years will have some of the best opportunities you'll ever get to try new things. So take advantage of that,” Ryland Bickley says. “Try playing a sport, getting a summer job, and taking classes outside of your usual interests. Join school clubs and meet new people. You'll be surprised at the number of cool people you'll meet and the new interests you'll discover.”

Ingrid Peterson adds that joining clubs and attending events will help you get the full ORCA experience. “Learning is so much more fun with friends and community,” she says. 

Some seniors gave a reminder that although high school may have its challenges, it’s important to remember that tough times eventually come to an end and that the ORCA community is always there to provide support.

“Work hard and no matter what, don't give up,” a student adds. 

“Take school seriously and work hard to stay on track, but make sure you take the time to relax and have fun,” Bickley says. “By the time you reach your senior year you'll be shocked to see how fast time goes by in high school. Take the time to enjoy those years.” 

After high school, the class of 2023 has many ambitious plans. Some are going to college or studying abroad, others are looking to start careers, and a few are planning to enjoy a year off. 

And in 10 years, the future is filled with endless possibilities. Some soon-to-be graduates are hoping to start new ventures, ascend in their careers, start families, travel around the globe, and make a positive impact on the world. 

Ingrid Peterson and a few others are hoping to get their DVM and practice medicine in the veterinary field. Some hope to pursue a career in engineering and computer science, while others plan to become teachers, attend flight school, or join the military. 

Claire Jennings wants to pursue a career in the film industry, but understands that goals can change. “I'll have to keep track of this thought because 10 years ago, I thought I would be a farmer, who's also a doctor, who's also a teacher, who's also a dance teacher.” 

Some students aspire to be in the right state of mind in the future rather than in a specific career path. Brackens says she sees herself as “happy, healthy and enjoying life.” As a young adult, she strives to have a “decent work/life balance, enjoying my years but also preparing for the next to come.”

“If I've learned anything over the past few years, it's that life has a way of changing in ways I don't expect,” Bickley says. “I'm excited to see where it takes me next.”

As the journey of high school gradually comes to an end, it can be a bittersweet experience filled with both sentimental memories and challenges to overcome. For many, graduating is nostalgic as seniors leave many friends and legacies behind, but they’re also excited to start a new chapter in life. 

“I have friends to look back to, a legacy I'll set for the baby juniors, and I feel pretty prepared for the future, especially thanks to my AVID class,” Jennings says. “I'll miss so many things following my departure, and I'll miss everyone here.”

As they cross the graduation stage this June, the class of 2023 has a special legacy to look back on and a bright future to look forward to. 

Amelia B. noted that she was unsure of attending online high school at first, but was now glad she did it. “I quickly grew to love it,” she said. “And I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

Food. Dancing. Music. Friends. The perfect combination for a memorable night. 

ORCA’s 2023 Prom was a huge success, with the “Head In The Clouds” theme drawing a large crowd. Students showed up in their best attire and danced the night away at the Wilsonville Facility, which was decked out in dreamy decor – cotton clouds, a disco ball, flowers, butterflies, and balloons. 

Students gathered around photo booths with friends and hung out at the snack tables, which offered a wide array of cookies, crackers, fruits, and macaroons. 

The dance room quickly filled up with students tearing up the dance floor to party hits such as “Shake It Off” and “Timber,” slow dance songs like “Until I Found You,” and even a rickroll that had many students dancing and singing along. A dance-off occurred between two seniors, breakdancing to “Can’t Hold Us” with an energetic crowd cheering them on. 

“The dance battle was the idea of someone else in our esports group,” said Atticus Chuey, one of the dance-off participants. “Eric [Traub] agreed and I requested the song. Not sure who won."

“It was amazing to see everyone get all dressed up and have a great time together,” said Reagan Stanek, Student Government’s activity director. “The decor was spot on and the conga lines drew everyone onto the dance floor.”

In the other room, students and teachers engaged in fun conversation and a lively debate over food and movies – including whether a hotdog is a sandwich or if they would rather see the highly anticipated Barbie or Oppenheimer movie. 

“To be honest, I’m a guy. You got a movie about toy dolls and a movie about nuclear weapons. I’d choose the obvious one,” said ORCA senior Eric Traub. “The Barbie movie, of course.”

Chaperones Mark Calen and Paula Leifer offered an interesting take on the “is a hotdog a sandwich” debate. 

“A hotdog is a cylindrical meat device inside a connected bread, like a pita pocket,” Ms. Leifer explained. “It is not a sandwich.”

Mr. Cralen argued otherwise, explaining that a hotdog is a sandwich because the meat is wrapped in bread. 

After a lengthy debate, both agreed to disagree. “That’s what happens when you put a math and science teacher together,” Mr. Cralen joked. “We need to define a sandwich.”

High School Principal Matt Lacy commended the event, saying that prom was an incredible experience and everyone had a wonderful time. “My favorite part is people coming together and not being very sure during the first few minutes, and then really having a great time,” he added. 

The three-hour event was a blast, leaving all attendees and chaperones abuzz with energy and full of new memories. Many seniors mentioned that prom made their last year even more special. 

“The only negative thing from prom was that it came to an end!” ORCA senior Ingrid Peterson exclaimed. 

Student Government’s Tristian Hughes gave a closing speech, thanking attendees and chaperones for coming and congratulating the Dance Committee for their hard work planning a successful prom. 

“The best feeling in the world is working so hard on something and then getting to experience it in full,” said Dance Committee Leader Kenna S., who led the planning of the event. “Prom was an absolute success in every way! It was amazing to meet new people and party with my friends... And the most important thing is that the macaroons were on point!”

Ahnalya De Leeuw, Student Government’s Vice President, added that she is excited to start planning another prom next year and was grateful for all the good work the team did putting together an incredible event. “It was so amazing to work with Kenna and the whole team, and I want to thank the chaperones as well who came tonight!”

The hard work from Student Government and chaperones paid off, making prom a memorable night and one of the best highlights of the school year. 

A lot has changed in the six years since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was released in theaters. Since then, Marvel films have tackled universe-altering events like Infinity War and Endgame, and the Guardians franchise director James Gunn was fired and later re-hired by Disney. Returning to the trilogy for the first time since 2017, Gunn was tasked not only with putting together a satisfying final chapter for the Guardians, but also injecting some life back into an MCU that was quickly losing favor with fans. 

As expected, Vol. 3 starts off much differently than the first two Guardians films. Although Gunn used 2022’s 40-minute The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special to set up some of the world of Vol. 3, other MCU films have left the Guardians in such a different spot since Vol. 2 that the first half hour or so of this film is spent frantically updating the audience. It’s necessary but a little awkward, and it takes longer than it should to become immersed in the story of the film. 

There’s a noticeable tonal shift from the first two films, too. While Vol. 1 and 2’s first needle drops were fun action scenes set to Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” and Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky,” respectively, Vol. 3 starts with a slow, introspective long take backed by the acoustic version of Radiohead's “Creep.” While the Guardians films haven’t shied away from tugging on heartstrings in the past, Vol. 3 has an underlying somberness that sets it apart from the rest of the franchise.

However, once the story gets rolling, the usual jokes start peppering the script. Gunn’s unique sense of humor, paired with the veteran cast’s delivery, makes for a winning combination. Still, despite Gunn being Marvel’s best at balancing humor with emotional stakes, there are some moments when he undercuts serious scenes with unneeded comedy. Horrific events are occasionally brushed aside to move on to the next joke or scene. Gunn’s writing gets the character interactions absolutely right, though. The Guardians truly feel like a dysfunctional but loving family, giving every scene in this superhero space opera a touch of authenticity. 

The film’s unevenness is somewhat masked by great performances by the cast. The usual Guardians crew has great chemistry and is stellar as always, with leading man Chris Pratt really showing off his range. The two biggest new additions to the cast, Chukwudi Iwuji’s High Evolutionary and Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock, are great as well. Iwuji chews up the scenery of the entire film as the antagonist, reveling in his role as one of Marvel’s most detestable villains yet. He has no sympathetic backstory or witty sense of humor – he’s just pure evil. And Iwuji does a fantastic job getting the audience to root against him. On the other hand, Poulter’s Adam Warlock is barely even an important part of the plot, but his comedic value is surprisingly off the charts. He’s a fun addition to the movie. 

From a technical standpoint, Vol. 3 is quite impressive. The visuals are miles above Marvel’s last project, the disappointing Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, with a variety of interesting locations and hyper-realistic CGI animals. The camerawork is active and creative, with plenty of spins, movement, and some excellent long takes. The action scenes are lots of fun as well, especially in the finale. The editing can be jarring at times, although it smooths out over the course of the movie. Much of Vol. 3 is built around flashbacks, and the cuts to them feel awkward and unexpected most of the time. It’s a shame because these scenes are excellent, but they often feel very out of place. 

However, where Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 shines the most is not in its flashy presentation or barrage of jokes, but rather in its character work. It’s hard not to care about what happens to the Guardians. The characters have been a big part of pop culture for nearly a decade, and thankfully, their final chapter is a satisfying and well-written conclusion. Much of the story is built around dark subject matter that really pushes the boundaries of the usual MCU fare, giving the story a unique, high-stakes feel. Despite its action-comedy setting, Vol. 3 is an impactful film filled with genuine emotion.

Still, like everything the Guardians touch, Vol. 3 is a bit of a mess. But it’s a beautiful one. If you can peel back the layers of alien gore, over-the-top jokes, and more characters and locations than you can keep track of, you’ll discover a real heart at the center of this film. You’ll laugh, cry, and sing along to some 90s hits before the end credits roll. You might roll your eyes a few times as well, but Vol. 3 is still quality entertainment. It’s easily the best Marvel film since Spider-Man: No Way Home, and a touching sendoff to some of the franchise’s most lovable characters. 

The verdict: 8/10 

On June 2, ORCA hosted its annual Spring Celebration event at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany. The festive event celebrated the end of the school year with fun games and activities, an NHS ceremony, snow cones, and more.

For three hours, students and their families were able to socialize with their peers, meet teachers, and check out the various booths run by ORCA staff across the fairground. These booths included facepainting, trivia, free ORCA merchandise, and much more. Students also enjoyed lawn games, chess boards, and even a Music Club jam session. 

ORCA teacher Shawn Bundy said that his favorite part of Spring Celebration was “enjoying the end of year with students,” adding that the sunny weather was a plus for the outside event. 

Students who pre-ordered yearbooks were able to pick them up at the event and collect signatures from their fellow classmates and teachers. Throughout the afternoon, students took time to meet up and exchange well-wishes both written and spoken. Many yearbooks were signed with H.A.G.S. (have a great summer) or tear-jerking farewells, as tradition calls for. 

Four students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and the National Honor Society at their annual induction ceremony. The theme of the ceremony was Marvel superheroes. Daniel West, the club advisor, gave members and officers that presented special abilities. For example, Ahnalya De Leeuw, Secretary of NHS, had the power to fly, and new inductee, Reagan Stanek, had the ability to control minds.

“The qualities of a National Honors Society member are earned through the culmination of choices over a lifetime,” said ORCA teacher Stephanie Vitro in her speech addressing the new inductees. “Today, you are laying the foundation and already ahead of the game, heading down a path that can lead you to a life of fulfillment and generosity.” 

ORCA’s Future Farmers of America chapter met up at Spring Celebration to sign their certifying document. Now that it is signed, ORCA’s FFA is the first ever virtual school chapter in Oregon.

“It's the start of something great,” said ORCA FFA Vice President Ingrid Peterson. “Our FFA chapter is going to foster a fun and productive learning environment, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the founding steps.”

To learn more about the signing, check out this article. 

ORCA teacher Summer Highfill also gave a speech announcing that ORCA students had met and exceeded their Sparrow Clubs goal of 300 hours of community service to help fund the medical expenses of the school’s “sparrow,” Noah. She urged ORCA students performing community service next year to log their hours with Sparrow Clubs to continue providing medical funds to those in need. To find out more about Sparrow Clubs, check out this article. 

NHS and Student Government teamed up to host a Canned Food Drive. All of the canned food is being organized and donated to different food pantries across the state. From big cities to small towns, the food drive was designed to help as many communities as possible. NHS and SG raised over 50 pounds of supplies for families in need, and would like to thank all who donated. 

The ORCA Cares Club also organized a clothing drive. Teacher Lisa Rollot praised the club for always looking for ways to help out their communities. “They recently organized a trash clean up and ORCA students removed hundreds of pounds of trash from their communities all over Oregon,” she said. “The clothing drive is another way to help our families and their communities. We collected over twenty bags of gently used clothing and shoes that we will organize and hand out at our Open House event in Mill City this September. Families can bring items to donate in September as well."

"Spring celebration was a lot of fun,” added Dr. Rollot. “It was great to see our ORCA families and staff having fun together."

Overall, Spring Celebration was a sunny success and a great ending to an incredible school year. 

On May 19, ORCA hosted its last Middle School and High School Hangouts of the year. These were some of the most successful Hangouts yet. 

Both events drew a large attendance, as students from across the state visited ORCA’s Wilsonville office to hang out with friends, play board games, chat, and eat snacks. 

The Middle School Hangout, which lasted from 10 a.m. to noon, was as boisterous as ever. For two fun hours, students engaged in board games, showed off their Rubik’s cube skills, made crafts, and exchanged gifts for friends and teachers. 

One seventh grade student even brought signed pictures of her cat to give away to classmates and teachers. 

“My cat, Bella, is a princess,” she said. “Everybody deserves hope in the world. That is why I’m giving away my cute cat photos and signing them as autographs.”

The giveaway was surprisingly one of the most popular parts of the event. 

“I really enjoyed going to the Middle School Hangouts,” said seventh grade student Lily S. “I loved how there were so many games to play and how you could better connect with your teachers.”

After a one-hour lunch break, high school students arrived at the High School Hangouts. For the first hour, all the students gathered around a large table to play a game of Apples to Apples, while also chatting, exchanging jokes, and at some point, singing along to “I Want It That Way.”

Student Government Vice President Ahnalya De Leeuw noted that it was “the largest group of Apples to Apples I’ve ever seen.”

After the round was finished, students dispersed into groups to play various board games and chat among friends. Several groups engaged in intense games of Go Fish, Scrabble, and brain teasers. 

“Taking a group picture with so many of the original HS Hangouts crew who've been there since the beginning was fantastic!” De Leeuw added. “I hope to see these events continue in the coming year. Thank you to everyone who attended.”

“I had a blast doing not only HS Hangouts this year but MS Hangouts as well,” said ORCA teacher Jeremy Vandenboer. “I love the energy students bring and all the laughing we got to share. Can't wait to do it next year and see it grow even more.”

This year, the ASCEND Business & Management pathway partnered with Sparrow Clubs USA to provide an opportunity for students to support and sponsor a child with medical needs. For ORCA’s first “sparrow,” Noah, students set a goal to contribute over 300 hours of community service, which will send $3,000 of assistance to Noah and his family. 

Students in the Business & Management program promoted the project in their classes and with social media outreach to encourage students and staff to "Step into Compassion,” this year’s National Sparrow Club theme.  

Students went above and beyond their goal of 300 hours, and as of May 23, the club reached 333 hours of service. 

“I volunteer at the local food bank and I am starting this summer to volunteer at animal shelters and at the fire station in my hometown,” said ORCA student Alexis Tucker. “In one month, I have volunteered 56 hours. I plan on volunteering more at the food bank and at other organizations.” 

With the support of corporate sponsors, Noah was given $3,000 to help with his medical bills.

“I believe it's essential for business students to learn about giving back to our communities,” said Summer Highfill, the club advisor. “In high school, I was able to participate in a variety of social service projects and now as a business teacher, I want my students to understand the value of giving to others. When we can unite around a cause that is greater than ourselves we learn to be the best versions of ourselves.”

Their final event of the year will be the “Sparrow Clubs USA: Night at the Ems,” which is a field trip highlighting the club’s work at the Eugene Emeralds baseball game. All ORCA students and family are welcome to attend. For event details and RSVP, check out Field Trip Central.  

Act, serve, lead…and Lego.

From April 30 to May 1, student leaders from across Oregon attended the annual OASC Spring Celebration at the Seaside Convention Center. This year’s event was built around establishing community and leadership skills, hence the theme “The Building Blocks of Leadership.” Over 500 middle and high school students attended the conference, coming from all corners of the state. 

Day one opened with activities designed to bring different schools together and create meaningful connections. Students enjoyed themselves at photobooths, the snack table, and participated in fun activities, such as human pretzel, Zumba, hula hooping, and more. 

ORCA student Emily Pennington expressed delight at the teambuilding icebreakers, saying, “It was amazing getting to hang out with my friends and advisor [and] meet fellow student leaders from other schools across Oregon!” 

Afterward, the opening session began with a skit from the Student Executive Council (SEC), the introduction of the OASC Adult Board and the Alumni Safety Squad. President Gracie Chaffee gave her opening speech and took a BeReal — a social media app designed to show you “in the moment” — as per her tradition, before gaveling in. 

The SEC led the attendees into the “Shake It Dance” and the “Standing O,” two keystones behind OASC’s community. The Standing O is the special way OASC attendees applaud  speakers, presenters, and councils, and is based on the “O” in OASC. It’s completed by standing up, lifting arms overhead in an “O” shape, and saying, “Oooooooh!” 

“[The dance] is the energy behind OASC, and it never fails to bring joy to new OASCers and old ones alike,” said B Genduso, the SEC’s Metro-West Representative. 

Chaffee and Patricia Campbell, SEC’s Metro-East Representative, discussed the first round of workshops that would happen later in the day, before introducing the first keynote speaker, Cimone Wright-Hamor. Wright-Hamor’s keynote speech discussed imposter syndrome – why students have it and how to combat it. 

“We can’t let our fears stop us from becoming who we truly are,” she said. 

After the keynote, the SEC gave a preview for Council Awards and the second and third round of workshops. A Summer Camp skit was presented by Midwest Rep. Jay Riggs, and Central Rep. Caylie Grande teamed up with Genduso. 

“We want to see you there!” they said, before opening the floor for some of last year’s campers to give testimonies on 2022’s Summer Camp. 

After that, the highlight of the event began: the Meet and Mingle Activity. Each of the 32 schools sent one student up on stage to participate in the activity, Build It! Each team member had thirty seconds to use Lego to build something, before passing it off onto the next person on their team. The three teams were challenged to create a house. The Alumni Safety Squad would then judge the designs and proclaim a winning team. 

“I was taking down walls and adding three windows,” said ORCA student Ingrid Peterson, whose team won the Meet and Mingle Activity. “Everyone was yelling suggestions and hyping fellow teammates up. It was a fun activity. Our team ended up winning and I got a pretty lanyard out of the deal!”

Grace Peterson, an ORCA student and one of OASC’s At-Large Representatives, introduced Partners for Sustainable Schools. PSS is a nonprofit organization built to grow and create sustainability in schools, focusing on environmental safety in the classroom. 

Schools dispersed for a dinner break, before coming back to the convention center for the workshops. There were three rounds, each 45 minutes long, and all discussing points of leadership. From diversity to social media use, each workshop was impactful and provided its attendees with ideas and information to bring back to their schools. 

Peterson presented a Taylor Swift themed workshop on community, titled, “You’re NOT On Your Own, Kid.” It discusses what communities are, why they’re important, and tips and tricks on how to create them. 

“Every single moment has the chance to impact our student bodies,” she said. “Let’s use those moments for good.” 

After the workshops were done, attendees were welcome to attend the dance. With a bouncy castle obstacle course, basketball Connect 4, snacks, karaoke, and even an archery table, students were treated to a good time before closing out the night. 

ORCA’s Student Government Advisor, Stephanie Vitro, attended the first day of the event and had a great time. “OASC's Spring Conference was a fantastic event,” she said. “It was wonderful to see our students engaging with other student leaders from around the state.” 

Day two brought the energy, leading right into Zumba and fun. After awards and door prizes, OASC’s other At-Large Representative Raymond Seng presented the Summer Camp hype video before opening the floor for Peterson to introduce the final keynote speaker, Kyle Willkom. Willkom’s keynote was all about bringing positivity to every situation and how impactful it can be.

“Nothing happens unless something moves,” he said. 

After the closing slideshow with photos from the entire event, Chaffee took one last BeReal and gaveled the event out, calling it a success. 

“Spring Conference is always an incredible experience, and I’m so happy to see this year was no different,” Chaffee said. 

Pennington added, “I will definitely want to attend more events like this in the future!”

“Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” That’s the Future Farmers of America’s slogan, and that’s what they live by.

FFA is a national organization designed for veterinary science students to gain experience by competing in events. Competitions can range from agricultural communications to forestry, from livestock evaluation to public speaking, and more. 

On Saturday, June 2, ORCA’s FFA chapter signed its certifying document at the annual Spring Celebration. ORCA has been working to have an FFA program for a while now, and this document certifies it as a registered Oregon FFA chapter. This allows for the school to enroll in competitions and engage in more FFA activities. 

In order for an FFA chapter to be certified, it needs a document with signatures from state and national officials from the organization. 

ORCA’s FFA used the in-person Spring Celebration event to get all the FFA students in one place and collect their signatures, officially rendering ORCA a bonafide FFA chapter. 

“It's so meaningful to me that my Vet Science friends and I all get to be a part of the document signing for our FFA chapter,” said ORCA’s first FFA Vice President Ingrid Peterson. “Students for years to come are going to benefit from the program, by building community, learning new skills, and genuinely just having fun. This is going to be something great, I'm honored to be a part of the early phases of the program.” 

All ASCEND Veterinary Science pathway students are automatically enrolled into the FFA chapter, but the student can choose if they’d like to compete or not. 

ORCA’s FFA is Oregon’s first virtual chapter, which is what makes this signing so groundbreaking. ORCA has experience with veterinary competitions like HOSA, sending students off to state and international competitions, so it looks like there will be some good turnout. 

In April, students taking French I and II had the opportunity to participate in ORCA’s first ever French Contest. 

ORCA teacher Lisa Rollot curated the tests based on the National French Contest, which is taken by over a million students each year in levels 1-5 of language study. The tests evaluated students’ skills in reading, listening, grammar, vocabulary, and general cultural knowledge. 

The students earned extra credit for their participation and the top three participants in each level earned a medal for their achievements. 

“I thought it was really amazing the amount of work that Dr. Rollot put into the French Contest and I personally had a great time doing it!” said Felix Bullock, a level 2 silver medal winner.

“After seeing the results of the ORCA French contest this year, I have decided to include Spanish students next year,” Dr. Rollot said. She plans to host a similar contest next year for students who are taking Spanish I and II. 

The Spanish contest next year will feature two categories for students who are fluent or learning Spanish. 

Make sure to look out for the French and Spanish contests next year if you qualify.

Spread the word — ORCA families have the opportunity to win prizes for referring friends!

From May 1 through September 29, families can refer new students to ORCA and claim a $25 Amazon gift card for every new student enrolled. For referring five students, you can win an additional $100 Amazon gift card. The biggest prize comes after referring 10 students: a fifth generation Apple iPad Pro. 

Even if you’re not returning next year, you can still refer friends and claim prizes. It is up to the enrolling students to let ORCA know who referred them, so make sure your friends remember to put your name down! 

If you have enjoyed being an ORCA student, consider referring friends and family! This helps ORCA grow and you get fun prizes.

To read about eligibility, extended dates, and terms and conditions, you can read this info page. 

Break a leg! 

ORCA’s National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society hosted their first ever talent show on May 12. Students from all grades were invited to the virtual event, where they could showcase their talent and watch others perform. 

The event displayed talents from students in elementary through high school and a wide range of skills; with comedy, music, photography and more, there was something for everyone. 

Kickstarting the show, a student played a guitar solo, and was followed by another student presenting a poem. A student tap danced, one played the piano, and another presented realistic artwork. After a play teaser, Lego photography, and Dua Lipa lip syncing, the talent show was wrapped up with a comedy act. 

NHS member Ahnalya De Leeuw expressed delight at the event, saying, “The NHS/NJHS team had so much fun watching everyone perform! We’re very appreciative of everyone who contributed, and stay tuned for next year’s talent show and future NHS activities.” 

For more information on the event and how to get involved with NHS/NJHS, check out their website. 

Student Tries To Use Voodoo To Win Apples To Apples At HS Hangout, Wins By A Landslide

How far would you go to win a game of Apples To Apples? Apparently, some students would go as far as voodoo to win at this low-stakes card game. 

The May High School Hangout brought gobs of ORCA students to the Wilsonville office, and many joined in a large game of Apples To Apples. The game is all about matching your card to the prompt, and anonymously trying to get the round’s judge to pick your card. With over twenty people playing at once, having a judge pick your card is rare and plenty of students left the game without any green cards. 

Most students weren’t playing for life or death in this game, accepting the low probability of getting one card, let alone winning, but there are always exceptions. 

Some students tried to bribe the judge, offering Fred Meyer coupons, and some tried Puss-in-Boots’ sparkle eyes strategy, attempting to use emotional manipulation to win. 

And one student tried voodoo. The student was reported to have stared deep into the judge’s eyes, crossed her fingers, and whispered incantations. 

“I was a little freaked out, to be honest,” one student commented. “She kept whispering something about winner, winner, chicken dinner?” 

“It was like I couldn’t even read the other cards,” said a student who played ‘judge’ in one of the rounds. Student claimed to have been hypnotized, continuing, “I picked the only one I could read, and guess what? It was hers!” 

The voodoo student has declined to comment on such an event, but — to no one’s surprise — did manage to win the game. 

Middle Schoolers Crash the High School Hangouts

The Middle School Hangouts was a fun-filled two hours, and once the event was over, students began heading home. 

But two middle schoolers weren’t done with the fun yet. 

As all the middle schoolers poured out the door to leave, the two students snuck back, with a devious plan in mind. 

They pulled off a convincing disguise, hiding behind a trenchcoat, a pair of sunglasses, and a fake mustache on. With this master disguise, they entered the High School Hangouts unnoticed. 

The two middle sch– uh, high schoolers – joined game tables and discussions about SATs. As the high schoolers went on a tangent about trigonometry, the middle schoolers added, “It’s a sine of the times!” 

“I mean, they looked a little weird, but all high school students do,” said the teacher advising the event. He happened to be the very same teacher that checked the middle schoolers in, but refused to comment on that. 

“You know, my senioritis hasn’t been that bad,” they remarked. “The SATs were a breeze.”

The table was met with shocked silence. 

“I knew immediately that it was a cap,” another high school student said. “No high schooler would be caught dead saying that.” 

After the disguise was revealed, the middle schoolers were escorted off the premises. Their confiscated disguise will be displayed at the ORCA office as a reminder to future chaperones.

Mystery: Cookies Disappear From Snack Tables

At the High School Hangouts, one teacher brought a box of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to share with students and teachers. The homemade snacks were a big hit, with everyone sharing and enjoying the sweet treat. 

The teacher left the box unattended and went to play Scrabble, expecting to come back and have a few cookies left to herself. 

However, to her dismay, the teacher came back to find the cookie box completely empty, with only a few bits and crumbs scattered on the floor. 

“My cookies!” she exclaimed. “Who stole my precious cookies?”

Her exclamation was met with silence, as students stared back at her, blinking in confusion. After questioning the students to no avail, she decided to take the investigation in her own hands. 

Scouring the room, the teacher lined up the students and teachers along the wall. Everyone had a motive, and everyone was a suspect. 

“Look, it wasn’t me,” a student said, shrugging a few crumbs off his baggy coat. 

The middle schoolers in a trench coat had struck again.

Teacher Upset When Students Beat Him At Go Fish

While at the HS Hangouts, a teacher brought together some of his students to play a casual game of Go Fish. Much to his horror, his students all ganged up against him and took all of his pairs. 

“I was so confused,” the teacher said. “They didn’t care if they won or not, they just wanted me to lose!” 

“He gave me a bad grade on my essay,” one student commented. “I wanted to make him regret it.” 

Another student chimed in, “He’s a really nice teacher, but has really hard assignments. This is just free therapy for me.” 

The group played three rounds of Go Fish, and the teacher lost every single one. 

You can print The Current’s The Start of Summer Crossword HERE. The clues are listed below:

ACROSS

1. Three months off from school (2 words)

2. A place with tents and temporary shelters

6. Tests taken at the end of the semester

7. A journey in a vehicle often with family and friends (2 words)

9. Michael Phelps’ Olympic sport 

13. Chill 

14. Where you receive a diploma or degree

15. Very warm

16. Doing something for someone else for free

17. An enjoyable pastime

DOWN

1. ORCA’s K-12 end of the year event (2 words)

3. A place where vegetables, fruits, and flowers can grow

4. A large fruit in the gourd family with green exterior and a red interior

5. Sour and sweet summer drink

8. An ideal place where everything is wonderful

9. When the sun disappears

10. Proof that you graduated high school

11. A trip away from home

12. A colorful explosion used for celebrations

The answers to the crossword will be published in The Current's next issue.

Below are the answers to the Food Crossword from the May issue of The Current.

ACROSS

1. Caesar salad = Leafy greens mixed together named after a great Roman commander (2 words)

7. Sushi = A popular Japanese dish consisting of rice, seafood, and vegetables

9. Zest = Grated lemon or lime peel

10. Coconut = A drupe that we often consume in the form of milk, dried flakes, or oil

12. Tea = Aromatic beverage made with leaves and hot water

13. Salt = Sodium seasoning

14. Yogurt = Dairy product often mixed with honey, granola, or fruit

16. Dark chocolate = A treat with cacao content between 55 and 90 percent (2 words)

17. Ice cream = “You scream, I scream, we all scream for ____” (2 words)

DOWN

1. Cotton candy = It’s not fabric material, but it’s a sugary treat (2 words)

2. Eggs = Poached, boiled, soft, scrambled, and more

3. Salsa = Mild or spicy dip that originated in Mexico

4. Donuts = Small pastries with a hole

5. Ramen = Chinese dish that contains noodles in broth

6. Pizza = It’s all stuffed crust and savory goodness

8. Hot sauce = Condiment with levels of spice (2 words)

11. Key lime = The winner of The Current’s favorite pie poll results (2 words)

15. Tofu = Made from soy milk and pressed into blocks

Do you have a school-related question or need some academic advice? ORCA’s National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society are here to help with an advice column intended to provide answers to all of your educational inquiries. 

Over summer break, how can I prepare for the next stage in my academic career, whether that be college/post-secondary education or the next grade level? 

- Summer Blues

Dear Summer Blues,

Here is a list of potential options:

• Khan Academy offers a multitude of interesting courses from programming to advanced class preparation. Look through the courses and see if one matches your interests.

• Regularly read books, magazines, articles, and other texts. Try browsing through new genres or topics.

• Keep a journal to keep track of any goals or habits you want to build or simply practice your writing skills.

• Find groups or clubs in your local community, such as a summer reading group at your local library or a writing workshop.

• Build a basic academic foundation that can prepare you for the courses you will be taking the next school year. It is never too early to start learning.

• Practice or build a good sleep schedule or daily schedule. Self care is important, especially while learning, so take the time to develop good habits that are beneficial and healthy.

• Research colleges or post-secondary options and be prepared to form a course schedule with your advisor based on your ideal school’s credentials.

• Explore volunteer opportunities, internships, or jobs. These experiences can help you find people with similar interests and passions as you.

• Review the material from your past courses or look through your notes a few times to be comfortable with more challenging courses.

• Make sure to take some time for yourself and let yourself refresh before the next era of your life.

Have an amazing summer,

ORCA’s NHS/NJHS

Have a question about academics? Ask the NHS Advice Column using this form. All submissions will be anonymous.

Editor’s note: The June issue will be the last of the school year, so questions that are submitted through the form will not be answered until the next school year.